Willie was a hard-working man who loved providing for his family. He was employed by Thompson Farms for many years prior to his retirement. Although he was a working man, he was known to have traveled the world; but, he always came back to that place called home. He enjoyed making memories with his children and grandchildren at BBQs, family reunions, birthdays, and holidays.
Willie was a good man with many talents. He would happily provide advice and share his wisdom with those in his presence. His guidance was impeccable. He loved working on vehicles and fishing. Fishing was his joy and number one hobby. You could find him fishing under the bridge of the Mississippi River or the banks of the Ohio River. Willie’s second joy was relaxing and hanging out with his buddy, Blinky, and nephew, Arbery Lee.
Willie loved reminiscing, talking, and laughing about the good old days. Growing up, he was a pro at playing marbles, baseball, and horseshoes. He beat everyone in the game of horseshoes. When he stuck his tongue out for extra concentration, no one wanted to challenge him, because they knew they were about to lose.
In addition to his parents, Arbie and Louise Strayhorn, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John Strayhorn and Roy Strayhorn, and four sisters, Mary Nell Robinson, Gladys Lipsey, Mozella Strayhorn, and Rosie Porter.
Willie is survived by two sons, Antonio Petty of Centralia, Illinois, and Glen Petty of Memphis, Tennessee, five daughters and one son-in-law, Deanna Petty and Denise Margo Strayhorn of Buffalo, New York, Mary (Ricky) Strayhorn-Morris and Douella Strayhorn-Hart of East Prairie, Missouri, and Teresa Adams of Buford, Georgia, one brother and sister-in-law, Larry (Clementine) Strayhorn of Charleston, Missouri, three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Alma (Stephen) Williams of Charleston, Missouri, Joyce (Charles) Jefro of Carbondale, Illinois, Mary Strayhorn of Sikeston, Missouri, and Lynell Robinson, Sr. of Pinhook, Missouri, the mother of his children, Sally Petty of East Prairie, Missouri, two special friends, Leonard Watson and Sophia Gardner of Cairo, Illinois, 26 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Friends may call Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 11:00 am until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at the Williams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, Missouri.
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